Telephone cable filling composition (II)

ABSTRACT

A composition suitable for filling telephone cables if described, which comprises: 1. A LIQUID POLYBUTENE OF AVERAGE MOLECULAR WEIGHT IN THE RANGE OF 500 -3500; 2. MICROCRYSTALLINE SLACKWAX; OR AN EQUIVALENT THEREOF, COMPRISING A MIXTURE OF A MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX WITH BRIGHTSTOCK OIL OR A HIGH VISCOSITY MINERAL OIL OF COMPARABLE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; 3. POLYETHYLENE, OF AVERAGE MOLECULAR WEIGHT IN THE RANGE OF 10,000 - 20,000; 4. AT LEAST ONE WAX DIFFERENT FROM (2) ABOVE, CHOSEN FROM (A) PARAFFIN WAXES HAVING MELTING POINTS IN THE RANGE OF 37.8* 79.5*C, (b) synthetic Fischer-Tropsch type waxes having melting points in the range of 71.1* - 115*C., and (c) natural waxes selected from the group: Beeswax, Carnauba wax, Chinese insect wax, Japan wax, Myrtle wax and Spermaceti wax; and (5) finely divided silica. The amount of finely divided silica used ranges from about 0.5% to about 8.0%, and preferably 0.5% - 5%, by weight of the composition. A larger proportion of polybutene is employed in the composition than that of any other ingredient. The polybutene, microcrystalline slackwax, polyethylene and THE SECOND-MENTIONED WAX ARE BLENDED TOGETHER AND HEATED TO ABOUT 125*C. and the batch stirred until the waxes and polyethylene are completely dissolved. Then the finely divided silica (silica flour) is added in small increments and thoroughly dispersed with high speed, high shear stirring until complete uniformity of the composition is attained.

ljt'iiietll @tates [191 Walton et all.

[4 1 July 8,1975

[21] Appl. No.: 4311,1160

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 877,895 9/1961 United Kingdom 955,3484/1964 United Kingdom OTHER PUBLICATIONS Modern Plastics Encyclopediafor 1968, Sept. 1967, Vol. 45, No. 1A, pp. 426 and 427.

Primary ExaminerMorris Liebman Assistant ExaminerPaul R. Michl Attorney,Agent, or Firm-Kenyon & Kenyon Reilly Carr & Chapin [5 7 ABSTRACT Acomposition suitable for filling telephone cables if described, whichcomprises:

1. a liquid polybutene of average molecular weight in the range of 5003500;

2. microcrystalline slaclcwax; or an equivalent thereof, comprising amixture of a microcrystalline wax with brightstock oil or a highviscosity mineral oil of comparable physical properties;

3. polyethylene, of average molecular weight in the range of 10,00020,000;

4. at least one wax different from (2) above, chosen from (a) paraffinWaxes having melting points in the range of 37.8 795C, (b) syntheticFischer-Tropsch type waxes having melting points in the range of 71.1115C, and (0) natural waxes selected from the group: Beeswax, Carnaubawax, Chinese insect wax, Japan wax, Myrtle wax and Spermaceti wax; and(5) finely divided silica. The amount of finely divided silica usedranges from about 0.5% to about 8.0%, and preferably 0.5% 5%, by weightof the composition. A larger proportion of polybutene is employed in thecomposition than that of any other ingredient. The polybutene,microcrystalline slackwax, polyethylene and the second-mentioned wax areblended together and heated to about 125C. and the batch stirred untilthe waxes and polyethylene are completely dissolved. Then the finelydivided silica (silica flour) is added in small increments andthoroughly dispersed with high speed, high shear stirring until completeuniformity of the composition is attained.

32 Claims, No Drawings TELEPHQNE QAELIE illLlLllNG CUMPUSTTEUN (llll)This invention relates to compositions for the filling oftelecommunications cables, particularly of buried cables which aresubject to the ingress of water, or to entry and condensation of watervapor. Such water might flow through the cable and degrade itselectrical properties.

The telecommunications cables to which the compositions of thisinvention are applicable are of the type comprising a multiplicity ofconductors each having a dielectric of plastic material, a Waterproofsheath enclosing the insulated conductors and, filling the intersticesbetween these insulated conductors and between them and the cable sheathfrom end to end of the cable length, a water-impermeable medium whichwill not drain under the influence of gravity or such hydrostaticpressure as may arise in the event of damage to the cable sheath butwhich will permit relative sliding movement of the plastic insulatedconductors over one another during such bending of the cable as occursduring manufacture and installation of the cable.

Water or water vapor often enters a cable through punctures in thecables outer jacket. These punctures may be the result of lightningstrikes, mechanical damage to the cable sheath, or of initial defectsincurred during production or laying of cable. One way which has beenemployed to minimize water ingress is to sheath the cable interior withwater and vapor barriers. Such barriers, however, are expensive. Also,such barriers, once they are penetrated, permit the entry of water whichflows along the cable through interstices between the cables conductors,fills the cable, and deteriorates its electrical qualities. Suchdeterioration manifests itself as an increase in the capacitance betweencable conductors and results in increased losses. in telephonecommunication cables such losses can seriously degrade the operatingperformance of a telephone system. As will be appreciated, water (with adielectric constant of 80) in the cable would increase signal losses tosuch an extent that transmission would virtually cease or alternativelythe signals would become so garbled as to become meaningless.Ultimately, the water in the cable may corrode the conductors so as tocause open circuits.

it is known to fill the interstices of multiconductor telephone cableswith water blocking compounds in order to prevent water introduced intothe cables which are installed in ducts or directly buried in theground, as a result of damage to the cable sheath, travelling along theinterior of the cable from the point of entry and thus adverselyaffecting its electrical characteristics along its whole length. Variousblocking compounds are known for this purpose, among them being heavybodied mastic materials and jelly-like substances, such as petroleumjelly.

The material used in the substance filling the interstices is preferablyof such a consistency that when applied to the cable, the substanceadheres to the conductors and the sheath well enough to prevent theformation of water passages along the surfaces of the conductors or theinner surfaces of the sheath and also does not significantly reduce theflexibility of the cable. It is also important that the water-blockingcompound be of such a consistency at the cable operating temperaturethat in the event of damage to the cable sheath it will not exude fromthe cable thus permitting the entry of water into the cable.

Various compositions for filling telecommunications cables to inhibit orprevent the ingress of water thereinto are known. Examples of suchcompositions are those comprising mixtures of a mineral oil andmicrocrystalline wax and/or synthetic hydrocarbon waxes, as described,for instance, in Albert Kings U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,914,430 and 2,956,036,and in British Pat. Specifications Nos. 877,895 and 955,348 of Sargentet al. These and other known cable filling compositions do workreasonably well in fulfilling their intended purpose and have beenwidely used; but nevertheless have certain drawbacks.

More specifically, previously known telecommunications cable fillingcompositions have one or more of the following drawbacks:

a. Poor compatibility with the plastic materials used for insulating thecable pairs.

b. Frequently previous compounds were of low melting point and poorcohesive (internal) strength which render them unsuitable for use incables where high temperatures could be met in service.

c. Excessive hardness at low temperature with the concomitant difficultyof handling filled telephone cables during cold weather installation.

(1. Poorly chosen ingredients, some or all of which often exhibitexceptionally harmful effects on the plastic materials used to insulatethe cable pairs (see (a) above).

e. The tendency for the components to separate (i.e. syneresis) due topoorly chosen base oils/polymers or improper blending techniques.

f. Low resistance to manual working resulting in a physical degradationof the composition to the point where its high temperaturecharacteristics, especially drainage and water barrier characteristics,are adversely affected.

The ideal characteristics one should look for in a telephone cablefilling composition for use in conditions where the cable may besubjected to a wide range of temperature during operation can be listedas follows:

1. It should have a high melting point, that is, above C.; so that, whenit is subjected to high ambient temperatures such as may be encounteredduring operation of the cable, it will not liquefy and thus tend toexude from the cable.

2. It should exhibit plasticity at very low temperatures, for example,at 40C.

3. It should exhibit a minimum degree of syneresis, i.e. separation ofliquid components from solid components.

4. It should exhibit minimum void formation on contraction.

5. it should exhibit a minimum change in dielectric constant withincrease in frequency.

6. it should have a low value for the dielectric constant (permittivity)-between 2.0 and 2.4.

7. it should have maximum compatibility with primary insulatingmaterials, such as plastics which are used for the cable sheathing andfor enclosing the conductors.

8. It should have a liquid viscosity low enough that the cableinterstices can be readily impregnated during the cable manufacturingoperation, yet sufficiently high that the material would not exude fromthe cable dur- 3 ing manufacture or in the event of damage to the cablesheath.

9. It should be freefrom moisture and other polar contaminants, all ofwhich have an adverseeffect on the performance of the finished telephonecable.

10. It should have sufficient internal strength or internal cohesiveforce towithstand the pressure effect of a moderately high headof waterat elevated temperatures, i.e. significantly'above ambient temperatures,e.g. 50 80C. z I

Known filling materials for use in cables, and in particular, thoseheretofore usedfin multiconductor telecommunications cables aredeficient in one or more of the above characteristics, Thus there hasbeen a continuing search for improved cable filling compositions whichwould overcome the'deficiencies of known compositions of this type, andhave characteristics more nearly approaching the ideal characteristicsnoted above.

An objective of the present invention is to provide cable fillingcompositions which substantially eliminate, or at least minimize, theingress of water into telecommunications cables in the event ofmechanical or electrical damage to. the cable sheaths.

Another objective of the invention is to provide cable fillingcompositions which are an improvement over known cable fillingcompounds, in that they are free from at least some of the drawbacks ofthe known compounds, and which at least approach the ideal forcompositions of this type.

We have found that these objectives can be fulfuilled by providing acomposition which comprises, broadly, a mixture of l) a low molecularweight, liquid polybutenei (2) microcrystalline slackwax, or anequivalent thereof comprising a mixture of microcrystalline wax with ahigh viscosity mineral oil such as brightstock oil; (3) polyethylene;(4) at least one wax of a type different from that in (2) above; and (5)finely divided silica; the silica being present in an amount rangingfrom about 0.5% to about 8.0% by weight of the composition. The finelydivided silica serves as a filler and also as a gelling agent forbinding the other ingredients into a gel structure.

Thus in' one broad aspect the present invention resides in a compositionsuitable for use in filling telecommunications cables and te like,commprising: (1) polybutene, of average'molecular weight in the range of500-3500; (2) rnicrocrystalline slackwax; or an equivalent thereof,comprising a mixture of at least one mcrocrystalline wax with a highviscosity mineral oil having the following characteristics:

waxand Spermaceti wax; and (5) finely divided silica, said silica beingpresent in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 8.0% by weight ofsaid composition; said composition containing a larger proportion byweight of said polybutene than that of any other ingredient.

The telephone cable filling compositions of this invention are designedto fill the cable in such a manner that in the event of sheath failurewater will not penetrate into the interior of the cable, therebydamaging or even destroying completely the transmission characteristicsof the cable. The compositions of the present invention are designed tohave sufficiently high structural internal cohesive strength to resist a3 ft. head of water pressure. This is an important feature, for as willbe appreciated it would not be of much value to fill a buried telephonecable with a composition of the type disclosed herein if thatcomposition, at the ambient temperatures involved, could be extrudedfrom the .the range of 5003500, and desirably is in the range of70-1100. A mixture of polybutenes may be used, as

1 long as the average molecular weight is within the Viscosity/988C(ASTM D2161) 120 SUS 220 a sus a t Viscosity/378C (ASTM D2161) moo sus-3500 sus Flash Point '204.4C. Minimum ing melting points in the range of7l.7 l l5C, and

(c) natural waxesselected'from the group: Beeswax. Camauba wax, Chineseinsectwax, Japan wax, Myrtle aforesaid range of 5003500, and the producthas the appropriate viscosity. Such polybutenes are viscous, oilyliquids, and are prepared by the polymerization of n-butene in thepresence of a halide olefin polymerizing catalyst, or by other methodswell known to those skilled in the art.

I Polybutenes which are suitable for use in the compo-v sition of thisinvention are those having a viscosity in the range of 850-1150SUS/98.8C.

One preferred polybutene for use in the present invention is one meetingthe following specifications:

Specific Gravity/ 15.6/ l5.6C. 0.890 Viscosity/378C. 38,400 SUS ColourAPHA 10 Flash Point (C.O.C.) 204.4C Fire Point 232.2C Pour Point -I. 1CTotal Chlorides ppm 5 Total Sulphur ppm 5 Water Content Nil Anotherpreferred polybutene for use in the compositions of this invention isone having the following characteristics:

Average molecular weight 920 Viscosity SU/37.8C. (ASTM D 2161) 35,944

Viscosity SUS/98.8C (ASTM D 2161) 985 Viscosity index (ASTM D 567) 109Evaporation loss (10 hr. at 98.8C), wt. (ASTM D972) 0.0

Pour Point, (ASTM D 97) 6.7C.

Acidity, mg. KOH/gm (ASTM D974) 0.01

Specific Gravity (15.6C) 0.882

Microcrystalline slackwax, one of the ingredients of our inventivecomposition, is a material of variable composition; however, normallysuch a material would have a mineral oil content of 15% 40% and have acongealing point of 54.5 79.5C, the waxes present being ofmicrocrystalline structure. Microcrystalline waxes, as is well known,are composed of saturated hydrocarbon compounds of 40-50 carbon atomswith average molecular weights of 500 to 800. in contrast to theparaffinic waxes, microcrystalline waxes cannot be distilled atatmospheric pressure without some decomposition. The compounds arelargely branched chain molecules with the branches occuring at randomalong the carbon chain. These waxes have a crystal structure muchsmaller than that of paraffin wax. The melting point of refinedmicrocrystalline waxes is typically in the range of 628 90.5C.

As previously indicated, there may be used as a substitute for themicrocrystalline slackwax constituent, a mixture of brightstock oil, orother mineral oil such as a neutral or pale oil having equivalentphysical properties, with microcrystalline waxes.

Brightstock oils are high V.l. (viscosity index) mineral oils which meetthe general specification for high viscosity mineral oils previouslylisted, namely:

Viscosity/988C 120 SUS 220 SUS Viscosity/378C 2000 SUS 3500 SUS Flashioint at least 204.4C

Specific Gravity/156C 0.875 0.925

Colour-ASTM 2ASTM 8 Boiling Range (at atmospheric pressure) 260 704.5C.

(The abbreviation SUS signifies Saybolt Universal seconds).

Other mineral oils besides brightstock oil, e.g. neutral and pale oils,may also be used in the aforesaid mixtures with microsrystalline Waxes,provided they have physical chracteristics similar to those given above.

More particularly the present invention, in one aspect, resides in acomposition suitable for use in filling telecommunications cables or thelike, having the following formulation:

Polybutene, of average molecular weight 920 50.0% 65.0% Microcrystallineslackwax 25.0% 45.0% Polyethylene of average molecular weight in therange of 10,000 to 20,000 1.0% 8.0% Synthetic paraffinic wax 1.0% 10.0%Silica flour 0.50 8.0%

The percentages of ingredients given above are by weight, relative tothe entire composition.

in another broad aspect, this invention resides in a process forpreparing a composition suitable for use in tilting telecommunicationscables and the like, comprising the following steps, in sequence;

a. mixing together, with heating, the following ingredients:

i. polybutene, of average molecular weight in the .ange of from 500 toabout 3,500;

ii. either (a) microcrystalline slaclcwax; or (b) an equivalent thereof,comprising a mixture of at least one microcrystalline wax with a highviscosity mineral oil meeting the following general specificat..Oi'iSIViscosity/988C. 120 SUS 220 SUS Viscosity/373C. 2000 SUS 3500 SUS Flashoint 204.4C Minimum Spectra. Gravity/156C. 0.875 0.925

Colour ASTM 2ASTM 8 Boiling Range (at atr- 'apheric pressure) 260 iii.polyethylene, of ave; age molecular wieght in the ange 13 00 to 2.0000;and

iv. at least one wax selected from the group consisting of (l) paraffinwaxes having melting points in the range of 378 79.5C., (2) syntheticFischer- Tropsch type Waxes having melting points in the range of 7l.l115C., and (3) natural waxes selected from the group: Beeswax, Carnaubawax, Chinese insect wax, Japan wax, Myrtle wax and Spermaceti wax, untila homogeneous liquid mixture is obtained; and

b. adding finely divided silica in small increments to the mixture whilesubjecting the latter to high velocity, high shear mixing, untilcomplete dispersion of said silica in the mixture is achieved and acompletely uniform product is obtained, each increment of said finelydivided silica being thoroughly dispersed in the mixture before asucceeding increment is added, the amount of said finely divided silicaused ranging from about 0.5% to about 8.0% by weight of the composition,and said polybutene being employed in an amount greater than that of anyother constituent in the composition.

The compositions of the present invention have the following physicalcharacteristics:

Viscosity(lBrool field)/98.8C (ASTM D2669) 150 400 c.p.s.

Cone Penetration/25C 120-1/110 mm units Drop Point (ASTM D127 Method)95C Dissipation Factor/C/60 Hz 0.005 Maximum Volume Resistivity/100C(ASTM D257) 1 X 10 ohms. metre Minimum Our compositions are alsocharacterized by being thixotropic. The term thixotropic is used hereinto denote the property of certain materials to change rapidly, onstanding, from a liquid into a gel-like solid mass or body havingsufficient cohesive strength to withstand distortion by gravitationalforce when suspended freely in an inverted receptable or on a coatedobject. The gel is also of such a nature that it can be fluidized by theapplication of mechanical agitation as by shaking, stirring, vibrating,and the like. The property of thixotropy as understood herein is thuscharacterized by a reversible isothermal sol gel transition.

As to the wax component in our composition there may be used any of thefollowing: 1. Crude and refined paraffin waxes having melting points inthe range of 37.8 to 795C. 2. Crude and refined microcrystalline waxeshaving melting points in the range of 628 905C. 3. SyntheticlFischer-Tropsch type waxes, both crude and refined, having meltingpoints in the range of 7l.1- C.

Certain vegetable, insect and animal waxes may also be used in ourcompositions in place of one or more of the above categories of waxes.Suitable vegetable, insect and animal waxes for this purpose are asfollows:

Beeswax (Apis Mellifera) Carnauba Wax (Corypha Cerifera) Chinese InsectWax (Coccus Cerifera) Japan Wax (Rhus Succedaneum) Myrtle Wax (MyricaCerifera) Spermaceti Wax (lPhyseter Macrocephalus) Of the above animal,insect, vegetable waxes, the most useful are Beeswax, Carnauba Wax,Chinese Insect Wax and Spermaceti Wax; however, the other waxes listedwill produce acceptable end products if used within the range we havespecified for the wax content of our telephone cable fillingcompositions and after suitable refining processes.

(ASTM D937) 80 Another component of our composition is polyethylene, ofmolecular weight in the range of 10,000 to 20,000. A preferredpolyethylene for use in the compositions of this invenntion is onehaving a. molecular weight of approximately 19,500. This substance,which is produced by either high pressure or low pressure polymerizationof ethylene, is a white thermoplastic material readily obtainable from avariety of plastics manufacturers.

In the compositions of this invention the polybutene/microcrystallineslackwax/polyethylenelsynthetic paraffin wax blend produces a soft,rather viscous petrolatum type material which, of its own accord, is notcompletely satisfactory for the purpose being considered, i.e. forfilling telecommunication cables. By dispersing the correct grade offinely divided silica (i.e. silica flour), under the appropriateconditions, a gel-like structure is formed, which structure issufficiently stable to preclude the separation of any of the componentsduring storage, filling and/or use. The

compositions of the present invention is finely divided silica. Thismaterial may also be considered as a filler in the composition. Thefiller used is variously known as: silica flour, fumed silica,pulverized silica, atomized silica or micronized silica. The porportionof filler to gel-like substance required depends (a) on the desired end,liquid viscosity characteristic, (b) on the degree of hardness desiredand (c) on the character and particle size of the filler itself. Thecharacter of the filler includes the shape and surface properties of theindividual particles; the character of the particles determines the end,liquid viscosity and hardness characteristics. Plateshaped orneedle-like particles will reduce the viscosity of the jelly-likesubstance more than spheroid particles. The smaller the particle sizethe smaller the amount of filler required.

Such a composition has thixotropic properties: that is when it is causedto move or is agitated, for example by pumping,.its viscosity isreduced. In the case of flat or needle-like particles this viscosityreduction is assisted by the alignment of the particles with thedirection of motion. When the compound is substantially at rest theparticles will be randomly directed, and thus assist in increasing theviscosity.-

The particle size range of finely divided silica (silica I flour) mayvary very considerably; however, that used in the compositions of thepresent invention range anywhere frm 0.007 to 0.050 microns. Silicaflourswe have found quite satisfactory for use in the present inventionare those designed by the trademark CAB-O- SIL. The following is adescription of this particular material.

CAB-O-SIL is one of the purest silicas commercially available. On a drybasis, it is 99% silicon dioxide and is practically free frmcontaminating metallic oxide. It contains no calcium, sodium ormagnesium. CAB-O- SIL is so pure it meets the requirements of the FDAfor use in foods in concentrations up to 2%. i

angstroms or 0.007 to 0.050 microns. The physical appearance is that ofa fluffy, snow white, super fine powder of extermely low bulk density.CAB- O-SlL particles are finer than those of the finest grades of rubberreinforcingcarbon blacks. They are as fine as cigarette smoke.

When thoroughly dispersed and mixed with clear liquids such as mineraloil and turpentine, a transparent product is obtained. When dispersedand mixed with liquids such as alkyd vehicles, polyester resins, dioctylphthalate and other plasticisers and varnishes, a translucent product isproduced. The refractive index of 1.46 is close to that of many organicliquids and therefore dispersions are relatively transparent ortranslucent. For example, a dispersion of CAB-O-SIL in butyl alcoholresults in a perfectly clear suspension. CAB-O- SIL is made by a vapourphase process. It is produced by the hydrolysis of silicon tetrachlorideat ll00C. This process produces a colloidal silica of exceptionalpurity. CAB-O-SIL, because it is produced at a high flame temperature,is generally classified as a fumed silica.-

From the physical properties and surface characteristics stems theability of CAB-O-SIL fumed silica to impart thickening and thixotropiccontrol to liquids.

When CAB-O-SIL is dispersed in a liquid system, the chain-likeformulations join each other an form a network type of structure. Thisreduces the ability of the liquid to flow and results in increasedviscosity or thickening. Upon agitation or shear, the network structurebreaks down and reforms after agitation stops. When a gel reverts to aliquid upon agitation and reforms as a gel when agitation stops, theliquid is commonly known as being thixotropic. When very small amountsof CAB-O-SIL are dispersed in a liquid system, there is a limited amountof hydrogen-bonding, because the chains are generally too far apart tobond in a closely knit formation. By increasing the concentration ofCAB-O-SIL to a point where there is a sufficient number of CAB-O-SILchains which have hydrogen-bonded to each other, the desired thickeningor thixotropy can be obtained.

A particularly suitable silica flour for the purposes of the presentinvention is that known under the Trademark Cabosil M5 which has aparticle size of 0.012

microns. Other silica flours which have been found satisfactory arethose known under the Trademarks Syloid 224, Syloid 308, Gasil 23,Tixosil 38A, Zeosil 39 and Cabosil M7. The use of the proper grade offinely divided silica, plus the correct incorporating techniques, arethe key to the manufacture of an acceptable composition according tothis invention.

The amount of finely divided silica employed may range from about 0.5%to about 8.0% by weight of the composition. Preferably, however, weemploy an amount of finely divided silica ranging from about 0.5% toabout 5.0% by weight of the composition. Still more preferably, thefinely divided silica is used in an amount ranging from about 1.0% toabout 3.0% by weight of the composition.

The ingredients of our telephone cable filling compositions areobtainable from various sources. For instance, microcrystallineslackwaxes, microcrystalline and paraffin waxes, which are by-productsof petroleum refining, are readily obtainable from petroleum refineries.Brightstock oil, if used'in our product, may

be obtained from similar sources. A synthetic paraffin wax we have foundto be particularly useful in formulating our compositions is oneobtained from SASOL Ltd. of South Africa and sold under the trademarkPARAELlNT \/.l., Other suitable waxes of this general type, known in thetrade as Eishcer-Tropsch waxes, are available from BASE in Germany andfrom other sources.

As an optional ingredient there may be included up to about 1.0% byweight of an antioxidant. Any of the well known antioxidants forstabilizing organic substances and materials may be used; for instance,suitable antioxidants for use in the compositions of this invention arethose disclosed in British Pat. Specification 1,117,771 of Union CarbideCorporation, published June 26,1968, and in US. Pat. No. 3,156,728ofOrloff et a1, granted Nov. 10, 1964; and also in the referenceAutoxidation and Antioxidants, Lundberg (1962), lnterscience Publishers,Inc, New York.

if desired, there may be added to our compositions as an optionalingredient, minor amounts of a tackiness agent: this could be either aresinous material or a material such as high molecular weightpolyisobutylene.

The cable filling compositions of the present invention are preparedaccording to the following procedure:

a. The polybutene, microcrystalline Slackwax, polyethylene and secondwax component (e.g. synthetic paraffinic wax) are blended together, andare heated to approximately 125C and the batch stirred until the wax andpolyethylene constituents are complete dissolved. If any antioxidant isto be included in the composition, it is added at this stage. The orderof addition of the various components mentioned above is notparticularly important.

b. The finely divided silica (e.g. silica flour) is then added in smallincrements and thoroughly dispersed with high speed, high shear stirringuntil complete uniformity has been achieved as determined by drop pointand viscosity measurements.

As previously stated the key to making an acceptable cable fillingcomposition according to this invention is the proper dispersion of thefinely divided silica, as well as the use of the proper grade of finelydivided silica.

As suitable equipment for effecting the high speed, high shear stirringthere may be used any high speed stirrer known to those skilled in theart, as long as it can impart sufficient shear energy to thecomposition. Eor insntance, mixers such as the Lightning Mixer" (trademark), the Cowles Dissolver (trade mark), the Twin Daysolver (trademark) and various types of turbine mixers such as described in pages1210-1211 of Perry, Chemical Engineers Handbood 3rd Ed. (1950),McGraw-l-llill Book Co., New York, are suitable. Also suitable are highspeed high shear dispersing devices such as are described in Chapter 6of the book Practical Emulsions, 3rd Edition, Vol. 1, Bennett et al.(1968), Chemical Publishing Company, llnc., New York.

A typical batch of approximately tons of the composition according tothis invention is produced in a 24 hours period; this includes also theperiod required for testing of the composition.

The following example represents a preferred composition and method ofpreparation in accordance with the present invention. The percentagesgiven are by weight, relative to that of the Whole composition.

Example 55.5% lPolybutene Average Molecular Weight 920 35.0%Microcrystalline Slackwax 4.0% Polyethylene, Molecular Weight 19,500

3.0% Synthetic Paraffin Wax, m.p. in range of 7l.l 115C.

2.5% Silica Flour The polybutene, microcrystalline slackwax,polyethylene and synthetic paraffin wax are heated together and blendedat a temperature of 125C. (An antioxidant, if desired, is alsoincorporated into the composition at this stage.) The mixture is allowedto cool to 1 10C. at which temperature the silica flour is added insmall increments with high speed/high shear stirring, until a completelyuniform and consistent viscosity product is obtained. it is vital thatthe silica flour be added in small increments and thoroughly dispersedbefore the next increment is added and that sufficient shear energy beimparted to the composition during this process.

The compositions of this invention may be used to fill telephone cablesby means known in the art. Generally speaking, the composition is heateduntil molten although it may also be used in the plastic solid state,and is then applied to preformed, plastic insulated telephone wires,atone or more filling points during the cables manufacture, thecomposition being maintained at such a temperature (a) as not to set-offon contact with the cold cable and (b) as not to exude from the interiorof the cable after it has been filled. Arrangements such as disclosed,for example, in British Pat. Specification No. 1,120,011 published Jul.17, 1968; British Pat. Specification No. 1,136,344 published Dec. 11,1968; US. Pat. No. 3,607,487 Biskeborn et a1 granted Sept. 21, 1971, orBritish Pat. Specification No. 1,293,942 published Oct. 25, 1972, may beused for the application of our inventive filling compositions.

Our compositions were evaluated as follows:

(a) High Temperature Melting Point ASTM D127 and ASTM D566. (The minimumdesired temperature for compositions of the type with which thisinvention is concerned, is C. as measured by ASTM D566 and C. asmeasured by ASTM D127). (b) Syneresis i.e. the tendency to separation ofoil/polymers from a formulation. There is no. standardized test that isknown for determining this property; however, it has been found thatcompounds held at 20 30C. below their ASTM D127 drop points for periodsof 7-14 days will show signs of liquid separation, if this is acharacteristic of the compound. (c) Plasticity at Low Temperature (40C./-40F.) A Company devised test which consists of placing a quantity ofthe composition in a suitable container usually 750 grams of thecomposition in a 1000 ml metal container, and chilling to the requiredtest temperature in 3 stages over a 6 our period and meauring thehardness of the material at the final temperature by means of ConePenetration. Additionally thin layers of the composition (5l0 mils) maybe coated onto thin metal plates (203O mil) and cooled to the requiredtest temperature, at which temperature the plate/compound is flexed andsigns of cracking/fissuring noted. Our compositions were test using boththe above methods. ((1) Void Formation A l 1 company devised test whichis related to the Coefficient of Expansion of the composition asmeasured, at different temperatures over a given temperature range, thespecific expansion values obtained'being plotted as a curve on lineargraph paper. In general terms, the flatter the Coefficient of Expansioncurve for a given composition produced during the test cycle, the moredesirable is the composition for this particular end use;

this is particularly so the closer the curve is to a continuous value of0.0007C which is theaverage coefficient of expansion value for petroleumoils. The test method used to measure the compounds coeff cient ofexpansion is a Company devised test in which a smallsample(approximately 50 grams) of compound is cooled under applied pressure tothe lower test temperature and is temperated at this temperature for 12hours. The

sample is then raised in temperature, at a controlled rate, theexpansion undergone by the compound during the heating cycle beingmechanically transmitted to a recording chart. (e) Dielectric Constantand Change in Dielectric Constant with Increase in Frequency ASTM D150In the case of telephone cable filling compositions it is desirable thatthere be a minimum change in the Dielectric constant of the fillingcomposition with change in test frequency. The Dielectric Constant ofair is l. Ideally any filling compound should have this value forDielectric Constant; however, most petroleum based compositions haveDielectric Constants in the range of 2.0 2.4. The cable fillingcompositions of this invention fall within this range at all measuredfrequency levels. (f) Compatibilty with Insulating Materials a Companydevised test. Plastic coated telephone cable wires are immersed in thecompositions to be tested at a prescribed temperature for a prescribedperiod of time and are subsequently air aged after which air aging thephysical changes which have occurred in the plastic insulation, as theresult of its immersion in the compound, and subsequent air againg arenoted. (g) Penetration/25 and 65C ASTM D937 It is vital that thecompositions for use as telephone cable filling compounds haveacceptable penetration values, not only at the standard test temperatureof 25C. but also at an elevated temperature. For this purpose atemperature of 65C was selected as being both a realistic and meaningfultemperature. It is possible to formulate a composition having anacceptable penetration at 25C. only to have this compositiondisintegrate at 65C. The meeting of acceptable cone penetration valuesat both temperatures is of prime importance in formulating compositionsof this general type. (h) Volume Resistivity/ 100C. ASTM D257 This testrelatesto the freedom of the composition from moisture and polarcontaminants which have an adverse effect on the performance of thefinished telephone cable, particularly at high frequencies.Resistivityis also recommended as a test to determine when a cable fillingcomposition has deteriorated beyond an acceptable point forcontinuedducing fully filled cables.

lThefollowing typical test data were obtained for the composition of theExample, previously described:

Viscosity (Brookfield) /98.8C. (ASTM D2669) 250 cps Drop Point (ASTMD127) 92C Plasticity/40C No cracking observed Dielectric Constant/C(ASTM D) 2.3 Volume Resistivity/ 100C (ASTM D257) 15 X 10" ohms MeterCone Penetration/25C (ASTM D937) 100 Cone Penetration/65C (ASTM D937)Dissipation Factor/100C/60 Hz 0.0020

While certain embodiments of this invention have been particularlydescribed herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not to belimited to specific embodiments, since for example variations in theingredients of the compositions, and/or the proportions of ingredients,and/or processing conditions for the manufacture of these compositions,will be contemplated by those skilled in the art, without departing fromthe broadest aspects of the invention. It is therefore intended that theinvention be limited only by the claims which follow.

What we claim is:

l. A composition suitable for use in filling telecommunication cablesand the like, comprising:

1. 50.0% 65.0% poly(butene-l of average molecular weight in the range of500 3500;

2. 25.0% 45.0% microcrystalline slackwax; or of an equivalent of saidmicrocrystalline slackwax, said equivalent consisting essentially of amixture of at least one microcrystalline wax with a high viscositymineral oil meeting the following general specification:

Viscosity/98.8C 120 SUS 220 SUS Viscosity/37.8C. 2000 SUS 3500 SUS FlashPoint 204.4"C Minimum Specific Gravity/156C 01875 0.925

Colour ASTM 2 ASTM 8 Boiling Range (at atmospheric pressure) 3. 1.0%8.0% polyethylene, of average molecular weight in the range of 10,000 to20,000;

4. 1.0% 10.0% of at least one wax selected from the group consisting ofa. paraffin waxes having melting points in the range of 37.8 79.5C., (b)synthetic Fischer-Tropsch type waxes having melting points in the rangeof 7l.1 115C., and (c) natural waxes selected from the group: Beeswax,Camauba wax, Chinese insect wax, Japan wax, Myrtle wax and Spermacetiwax; and

5. from about 0.5% to about 8.0% finely divided silica, said percentagesof ingredients being by weight, based on the entire composition.

2. A composition as defined in claim 1 wherein the finely divided silicais present in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weightof said composition.

3. A composition as defined in claim 2 wherein the finely divided silicais present in an amount ranging from about 1.0% to about 3.0% by weightof said composition.

4. A composition as defined in claim 1 wherein the wax constituent is acrude or refined paraffin wax having a melting point in the range of37.8 79.5C.

5. A composition as defined in claim 1 wherein the wax constituent is acrude or refined synthetic lFisher- Tropsch type wax having a meltingpoint in the range of 71.1 115C.

6. A composition as defined in claim 1 wherein the second-mentionedingredient is microcrystalline slackwax.

7. A composition as recited in claim 11 wherein the second-mentionedingredient is a mixture of at least one microcrystalline wax andbrightstock oil, said brightstock oil meeting the following generalspecificatron:

Viscosity/98.8%. 120 SUS 220 SUS Viscosity/378C 2000 SUS 3500 SUS FlashPoint 204.4C Minimum Specific Gravity/156C 0.875 0.925

Colour ASTM 2 ASTM 8 Boiling Range (at atmospheric pressure) 260 8. Acomposition as set forth in claim 11, said composition meeting thefollowing specifications:

Viscosity (Brookfield) /98.8C. (ASTM D2669) 150-400 cps ConePenetration/25C 80-120 l/10 mm (ASTM D937) units Drop Point (ASTM D127method) 85-95C Dissipation Factor/100C/60l-lz 0.005 maximum VolumeResistivity/100C l X 10 ohms (ASTM D257) meter minimum.

9. A composition as defined in claim 11 which includes also anantioxidant in an amount of up to about 1.0% by weight of saidcomposition.

10. A composition according to claim 11, wherein the poly(butene-l is ofaverage molecular weight 920, and the wax constituent is a syntheticFischer-Tropsch type wax.

111. A composition as in claim 11 wherein the silica flour has anaverage particle size in the range of 0.007 0.05 microns.

112;. A composition as in claim 1111 wherein the silica flour has anaverage particle size of 0,012 microns.

13. A composition as in claim 11 wherein the polyethylene has an averagemolecular weight of about 19,500.

14. A composition as defined in claim 11, having the followingformulation:

Poly(butene-1) of average molecular weight 920 55.5% Microcrystallineslackwax 35.0% Polyethylene, of average molecular weight 19,500 4.0%Synthetic Paraffinic wax 3.0% Silica Flour 2.5%,

Specific Gravity/ l 5.6/l5.6C, 0.890

117. A composition according to claim 11 wherein the poly(butene-l)constituent is one which meets the following specifications:

Average molecular weight 920 Viscosity SUS/ (ASTM D 2161) 35,944Viscosity SUS/210F.

(ASTM D2161) 985 Viscosity index (ASTM D567) 109 Evaporation loss (10hr. at 988C.) Weight percent (ASTM D972) 0.0 Pour Point (ASTM D 97)6.7C. Acidity, mg KOH/gm (ASTM D 974) Specific Gravity (15.6C.)

18. Process of preparing a composition suitable for use in fillingtelecommunication cables and the like, comprising the following steps,in sequence:

a. mixing together, with heating, the following ingredients:

i. poly(butene-l) of average molecular weight in the range of from 500to 3500;

ii. microcrystalline slackwax; or an equivalent of said microcrystallineslackwax, consisting essentially of a mixture of at least onemicrocrystalline wax with a high viscosity mineral oil meeting thefollowing general specification:

Viscosity/988C. 120 SUS 220 SUS Viscosity/378C. 2000 SUS 3500 SUS FlashPoint 204.4C. Minimum Specific Gravity/156C. 0.875 0.925

Colour ASTM 2 ASTM 8 Boiling Range (at atmospheric pressure) 260 iii.polyethylene, of average molecular weight in the range of 10,000 to20,000; and

iv. at least one wax selected from the group consisting of 1) paraffinwaxes having melting points in the range of 378 79.5C., (2) syntheticFischer-Tropsch type waxes having melting points in the range of 71.1 C,and (3) natural waxes selected from the group: Beeswax, Carnauba wax,Chinese insect wax, Japan wax, Myrtel wax and Spermaceti wax, until ahomogeneous, liquid Myrtle is obtained; said ingredients being employedin the following relative proportions:

Poly(butene-1) 50.0% 65.0% Ingredient (ii) 25.0% 45.0% Polyethylene 1.0%8.0% Ingredient (iv) 1.0% 10.0%,

said percentages of ingredients being by weight, based on the entirecomposition;

b. adding finely divided silica in small increments to the mixture whilesubjecting the latter to high velocity, high shear mixing until completedispersion of said silica in the mixture is achieved and a completelyuniform product is obtained, each increment of said finely dividedsilica being thoroughly finely divided silica used'is in the range ofabout .5%

to about 5.0% by weight 'of the composition.

21. A process as in claim 18 wherein the amount of finely divided silicaused is in the range of about 1.0% to about 3.0% by weight of thecomposition.

22. A process as in claim 19 wherein the wax constituent is a syntheticFisher-Tropsch type wax having a melting point in the range of 71.1115C.

23. A process as in claim 22 wherein, in step (a), the poly(butene-l),microcrystalline slackwax, polyethylene and synthetic wax are heatedtogether at a temperature of approximately 120C. until a homogeneousmixture is obtained.

24. A process as set forth in claim 23 wherein, after said homogeneousmixture is obtained, it is cooled to about 110C. at-which temperaturestep (b) is carried out.

25. A process as definedin claim 18, wherein there is included also anantioxidant, in an amount up to about 1 .0% by weight of thecomposition, said antioxidant being incorporated into the compositiontogether with said poly(butene-l microcrystalline slackwax or equivalentthereoflpolyethylene and wax, in the first step.

26. A process as defined in claim 18, wherein the poly(butene-l) is ofaverage molecular weight 920, and the wax constituent of the compositionis a synthetic Fischer-Tropsch type wax. i

27. A'process as in claim 18 wherein the silica flour has an averageparticle size in the range of 0.007 0.05 microns. 4

28. A process as in claim 27 wherein the silica flour has an averageparticle size of 0.012 microns.

16 29. A,process as in claim 18 wherein the polyethylene has an'averagemolecular weight of about 19,500. 30. A process as in claim 18 whereinthe ingredients used and their relative proportions, are as follows:

Po1y(butene-1), of average molecular weight 920 55.5%

Microcrystalline slackwax 35.0%

Polyethylene, of average molecular weight 19,500 4.0% l Syntheticparafiinic wax 3.0%

Silica flour 2.5%,

said percentages of ingredients being by weight, based on thecomposition.

31. A process according to claim 18 wherein the poly(butene-l)constituent is one which meets the following specifications:

Specific Gravity/15.6/15.6C. 0.890 Viscosity/378C. 38,400 SUS Color APHA1 10 Flash Point (C.O.C.) 204.4C. Fire Point 232.2C. Pour Point l.1C.Total Chlorides ppm 5 Total Sulphur ppm 5 Water Content Nil.

32. A process. according to claim 18 wherein the poly(butene-l)constituent is one which meets the following specifications:

Average molecular weight 920 Viscosity SUS/T. (ASTM D2161) 35,944Viscosity SUS/210F. (ASTM D2161) 985 v Viscosity index (ASTM D 567) 109Evaporation loss (10 hr. at 98.8"C) weight percent (ASTM D972) 0.0 PourPoint (ASTM D97) 6.7C Acidity, mg. KOH/gm. (ASTM D974) 0.01 Specificgravity (15.6C.) 0.882.

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE tttt rtie tens PATENT NO.3,893,962

DATED July 8, 1975 INVENTOR( Basil Vivian Edwin Walton William EdwardJohn Wennamaker It is certified that error appears in theaboveqdentified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby correctedas shown below: 9 Abstract, line 1, delete "if" and substitute --is--Cole 3, line #7, delete "te" and substitute the; line 47, delete"commprising" and substitute -comprising---- 001 t, line 26, delete"70-1100" and substitute ---700-ll0O--; line 53, delete "SU" andsubstitute -=--=SUS----, Col, 7, line t, delete "invenntion" andsubstitute -----inventionline 57, elete "frm" and substitute "fromline 6delete "frm" and substitute ---from-- Col, 8, line 28, delete "an" andsubstitute -=-and-- 0010 9, line 21, delete ""a tacki-" and substitute--a "tacki a line 33, delete "complete" and substitute completely; line55, delete "Handbood" and substitute -=-Hendbook--; line 6 L, delete"hours" and substitute hour a Col, 10, line 59, delete "our" andsubstitute --hour--;

line 66, delete "test" and substitute =-tested----a 6 Col. 12, line 39,delete "01875" and substitute --0,875--.,

Add to the listed Forei n Patents or Applications the following 93 5/1973 Canada a fiigncd and Scaled ttu's Twentieth Day Of July 1976[SEAL] Attest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Office Commissioner nfPatenrsand Trademarks

1. A COMPOSITION SUITABLE FOR USE IN FILLING TELECOMMUNICATION CABLESAND THE LIKE, COMPRISING:
 1. 50.0% - 65 WEIGHT IN THE RANGE OF 500 -3500,
 2. 25.0% MICROCRYSTALLINE SLACKWAX, OR OF AN EQUIVALENT OF SAIDMICROCRYSTALLINE SLACKWAX, SAID EQUIVALENT CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF AMIXTURE OF AT LEAST ONE MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX WITH A HIGH VISCOSITYMINERAL OIL MEETING THE FOLLOWING GENERAL SPECIFICATION:VISCOSITY/98.8*C - 120 SUS - 220 SUS VISCOSITY/37.8*C, - 2000 SUS - 3500SUS FLASH POINT - 204.4*C MINIMUM SPECIFIC GRAVITY/15.6*C - 01875 --9925 COLOUR ASTM 2 - ASTM 8 BOILING RANGE (AT TEMPERATURE PRESSURE) -260*-704.5*C,
 3. 1.0% - 8.0% POLETHYLENE, OF AVERAGE MOLECULAR WEIGHT INTHE RANGE OF 10,000 TO 20,000,
 4. 1.0% - 10.0% OF AT LEAST ONE WAXSELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF A PARAFFIN WAXES HAVING MELTINGPOINTS IN THE RANGE OF 37.8* - 79.5*C., (B) SYBTHETIC FISCHER-TROPSCHTYPE WAXES HAVING MELTING POINTS IN THE RANGE OF 71.1* 115*C., AND (A)NATURAL WAXES SELECTED FROM THE ROUP: BEESWAX, CARNAUBA WAX, CHINESEINSECT WAX, JAPAN WAX, MYRTLE WAX AND SPERMACETI WAX, JAPAN
 2. 25.0% -45.0% microcrystalline slackwax; or of an equivalent of saidmicrocrystalline slackwax, said equivalent consisting essentially of amixture of at least one microcrystalline wax with a high viscositymineral oil meeting the following general specification:Viscosity/98.8*C - 120 SUS - 220 SUS Viscosity/37.8*C. - 2000 SUS - 3500SUS Flash Point - 204.4*C Minimum Specific Gravity/15.6*C - 01875 -0.925 Colour ASTM 2 - ASTM 8 Boiling Range (at atmospheric pressure) -260*-704.5*C;
 2. A composition as defined in claim 1 wherein the finelydivided silica is present in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about5.0% by weiGht of said composition.
 3. A composition as defined in claim2 wherein the finely divided silica is present in an amount ranging fromabout 1.0% to about 3.0% by weight of said composition.
 3. 1.0% - 8.0%polyethylene, of average molecular weight in the range of 10,000 to20,000;
 4. 1.0% - 10.0% of at least one wax selected from the groupconsisting of a. paraffin waxes having melting points in the range of37.8* -79.5*C., (b) synthetic Fischer-Tropsch type waxes having meltingpoints in the range of 71.1* - 115*C., and (c) natural waxes selectedfrom the group: Beeswax, Carnauba wax, Chinese insect wax, Japan wax,Myrtle wax and Spermaceti wax; and
 4. A composition as defined in claim1 wherein the wax constituent is a crude or refined paraffin wax havinga melting point in the range of 37.8* - 79.5*C.
 5. A composition asdefined in claim 1 wherein the wax constituent is a crude or refinedsynthetic Fisher-Tropsch type wax having a melting point in the range of71.1* - 115*C.
 5. from about 0.5% to about 8.0% finely divided silica,said percentages of ingredients being by weight, based on the entirecomposition.
 5. FROM ABOUT 0.5% TO ABOUT 8.0% FINELY DIVIDED SILICA,SAID PERCENTAGES OF INGREDIENTS BEING BY WEIGHT, BASED ON THE ENTIRECOMPOSITION.
 6. A composition as defined in claim 1 wherein thesecond-mentioned ingredient is microcrystalline slackwax.
 7. Acomposition as recited in claim 1 wherein the second-mentionedingredient is a mixture of at least one microcrystalline wax andbrightstock oil, said brightstock oil meeting the following generalspecification: Viscosity/98.8*C. - 120 SUS - 220 SUS Viscosity/37.8*C -2000 SUS - 3500 SUS Flash Point - 204.4*C Minimum SpecificGravity/15.6*C - 0.875 - 0.925 Colour ASTM 2 - ASTM 8 Boiling Range (atatmospheric pressure) - 260* - 704.5*C.
 8. A composition as set forth inclaim 1, said composition meeting the following specifications:
 9. Acomposition as defined in claim 1 which includes also an antioxidant inan amount of up to about 1.0% by weight of said composition.
 10. Acomposition according to claim 1, wherein the poly(butene-1) is ofaverage molecular weight 920, and the wax constituent is a syntheticFischer-Tropsch type wax.
 11. A composition as in claim 1 wherein thesilica flour has an average particle size in the range of 0.007 - 0.05microns.
 12. A composition as in claim 11 wherein the silica flour hasan average particle size of 0.012 microns.
 13. A composition as in claim1 wherein the polyethylene has an average molecular weight of about19,500.
 14. A composition as defined in claim 1, having the followingformulation:
 15. A composition as in claim 1 wherein the poly(butene-1)constituent comprises a mixture of low molecular weight poly(butenes-1)of varying molecular weights and viscosities, said mixture having anaverage molecular weight within the range of 500 to about
 3500. 16. Acomposition according to claim 1 wherein the poly(butene-1) constituentis one which meets the following specifications:
 17. A compositionaccording to claim 1 wherein the poly(butene-1) constituent is one whichmeets the following specifications:
 18. Process of preparing acomposition suitable for use in filling telecommunication cables and thelike, comprising the following steps, in sequence: a. mixing together,with heating, the following ingredients: i. poly(butene-1) of averagemolecular weight in the range of from 500 to 3500; ii. microcrystallineslackwax; or an equivalent of said microcrystalline slackwax, consistingessentially of a mixture of at least one microcrystalline wax with ahigh viscosity mineral oil meeting the following general specification:Viscosity/98.8*C. - 120 SUS - 220 SUS Viscosity/37.8*C. - 2000 SUS -3500 SUS Flash Point - 204.4*C. Minimum Specific Gravity/15.6*C. -0.875 - 0.925 Colour ASTM 2 - ASTM 8 Boiling Range (at atmosphericpressure) - 260* - 704.5*C; iii. polyethylene, of average molecularweight in the range of 10,000 to 20,000; and iv. at least one waxselected from the group consisting of (1) paraffin waxes having meltingpoints in the range of 37.8* -79.5*C., (2) synthetic Fischer-Tropschtype waxes having melting points in the range of 71.1* - 115*C., and (3)natural waxes selected from the group: Beeswax, Carnauba wax, Chineseinsect wax, Japan wax, Myrtel wax and Spermaceti wax, until ahomogeneous, liquid Myrtle is obtained; said ingredients being employedin the following relative proportions:
 19. A process as in claim 18,wherein in step (a) the second-mentioned ingredient is microcrystallineslackwax.
 20. A process as in claim 18 wherein the amount of finelydivided silica used is in the range of about 0.5% to about 5.0% byweight of the composition.
 21. A process as in claim 18 wherein theamount of finely divided silica used is in the range of about 1.0% toabout 3.0% by weight of the composition.
 22. A process as in claim 19wherein the wax constituent is a synthetic Fisher-Tropsch type waxhaving a melting point in the range of 71.1* - 115*C.
 23. A process asin claim 22 wherein, in step (a), the poly(butene-1), microcrystallineslackwax, polyethylene and synthetic wax are heated together at atemperature of approximately 120*C. until a homogeneous mixture isobtained.
 24. A process as set forth in claim 23 wherein, after saidhomogeneous mixture is obtained, it is cooled to about 110*C. at whichtemperature step (b) is carried out.
 25. A process as defined in claim18, wherein there is included also an antioxidant, in an amount up toabout 1.0% by weight of the composition, said antioxidant beingincorporated into the composition together with said poly(butene-1),microcrystalline slackwax or equivalent thereof, polyethylene and wax,in the first step.
 26. A process as defined in claim 18, wherein thepoly(butEne-1) is of average molecular weight 920, and the waxconstituent of the composition is a synthetic Fischer-Tropsch type wax.27. A process as in claim 18 wherein the silica flour has an averageparticle size in the range of 0.007 - 0.05 microns.
 28. A process as inclaim 27 wherein the silica flour has an average particle size of 0.012microns.
 29. A process as in claim 18 wherein the polyethylene has anaverage molecular weight of about 19,500.
 30. A process as in claim 18wherein the ingredients used and their relative proportions, are asfollows:
 31. A process according to claim 18 wherein the poly(butene-1)constituent is one which meets the following specifications:
 32. Aprocess according to claim 18 wherein the poly(butene-1) constituent isone which meets the following specifications: